The rectus abdominis (abs) assist with breathing and play an important role in respiration when forcefully exhaling, as seen after performing exercises as well as in conditions where exhalation is difficult such as emphysema (a lung disease. The main cause is smoking but other causes include air pollution and chemical fumes).
Your abdominal muscles have five important jobs:
- Stabilize your trunk and maintain consistent internal pressure in your abdomen.
- When you need an increase in pressure — like in essential bodily functions like breathing, pooping, coughing, vomiting and childbirth — these muscles regulate that pressure.
- Help with movement of your body between your ribcage and your pelvis, allowing your trunk to be in constant motion. This helps support your spine and trunk during walking, sitting down, standing up or twisting from side to side.
- Hold your internal organs in place and protect them. This includes your stomach, intestines, pancreas, liver, gallbladder and other organs.
- Maintain your posture and provide core support.
